Military Should ‘Continually Review’ Ban On Transgender Troops, Says Hagel

SECDEF Chuck Hagel on 'This Week'

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is making headlines for calling on the U.S. military to "continually review" its ban on transgender troops, saying "every qualified American who wants to serve our country should have an opportunity if they fit the qualifications and can do it."

Hagel did not say he would support overturning the ban, telling "This Week" host Martha Raddatz:

"The issue of transgender is bit more complicated because it has a medical component to it. These issues require medical attention. Austere locations where we put our men and women in many cases don't always provide that kind of opportunity."

In March, a San Francisco State University commission released a study that found there was no "compelling medical reason" to ban transgender people from serving in the military:

“We determined not only that there is no compelling medical reason for the ban, but also that the ban itself is an expensive, damaging and unfair barrier to health care access for the approximately 15,450 transgender personnel who serve currently in the active, Guard and reserve components.”

According to CBS News, more a dozen countries like Israel, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada allow transgender persons in to serve in their military.

What do you think of the ban on transgender persons serving in the U.S. military? Have your say in our comments section!